AIM: To investigate the application value of pre-treatment tear inflammatory factor levels in predicting therapeutic efficacy for dry eye patients.METHODS:Prospective controlled observational study. A total of 120 patients with dry eye(240 eyes)admitted to our hospital from November 2022 to March 2024 were included. Before dry eye treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors, including interlukin-4(IL-4), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-18, IL-1β, interferon-γ(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)in the tear fluid were detected by ELISA. According to the treatment protocol in the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Treatment of Dry Eye(2020), the patients were given treatments, and the related factors affecting the treatment outcomes of dry eye patients were analyzed.RESULTS:After continuous treatment for 4 wk, all the patients completed follow-up, and they were divided into the markedly effective group(60 patients, 120 eyes)and the ineffective group(60 patients, 120 eyes)based on their therapeutic effects. The markedly effective group had significantly lower pre-treatment levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α than the poor efficacy group(all P<0.05). IL-6(OR=0.994), IL-18(OR=0.998), IL-1β(OR=0.933), and TNF-α(OR=0.998)were independently associated with treatment efficacy(all P<0.05). The nomogram model yielded a C-index of 0.971(95% CI: 0.950-0.993), with calibration curves closely aligned to the ideal curve. The model demonstrated significant predictive value for early therapeutic efficacy(sensitivity=96.67%, specificity=71.67%, cutoff=208, AUC=0.866, 95% CI=0.794-0.952, P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The nomogram model constructed based on the levels of inflammatory factors in dry eye patients before treatment can well predict the treatment effect of patients.

The paper reports a rarely case of hemophagocytic syndrome complicated with thrombotic microangiopathy, first presented with fever of unknown origin. A 37-year-old female patient mainly presented with fever, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and progressive decline in renal function. After infusion of fresh frozen plasma and high dose of glucocorticoid after double plasma exchange, the patient showed good prognosis, no further fever or hemolysis occurred, recovered platelet and renal function. After acute episode phase, kidney biopsy was performed and acute tubular necrosis was diagnosed. During the follow-up period, the disease did not recur, and the renal function was normal.

Spinal microglia and astrocytes are both involved in neuropathic and inflammatory pain, which may display sexual dimorphism. Here, we demonstrate that the sustained activation of spinal astrocytes and astrocyte-derived interleukin (IL)-17A promotes the progression of mouse bone cancer pain without sex differences. Chemogenetic or pharmacological inhibition of spinal astrocytes effectively ameliorates bone cancer-induced pain-like behaviors. In contrast, chemogenetic or optogenetic activation of spinal astrocytes triggers pain hypersensitivity, implying that bone cancer-induced astrocytic activation is involved in the development of bone cancer pain. IL-17A expression predominantly in spinal astrocytes, whereas its receptor IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) was mainly detected in neurons expressing VGLUT2 and PAX2, and a few in astrocytes expressing GFAP. Specific knockdown of IL-17A in spinal astrocytes blocked and delayed the development of bone cancer pain. IL-17A overexpression in spinal astrocytes directly induced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, which could be rescued by CaMKIIα inhibitor. Moreover, selective knockdown IL-17RA in spinal Vglut2 ⁺ or Vgat ⁺neurons, but not in astrocytes, significantly blocked the bone cancer-induced hyperalgesia. Together, our findings provide evidence for the crucial role of sex-independent astrocytic signaling in bone cancer pain. Targeting spinal astrocytes and IL-17A/IL-17RA-CaMKIIα signaling may offer new gender-inclusive therapeutic strategies for managing bone cancer pain.

Objective:To compare the survival and prognostic factors of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in female patients, aged≥50 years, diagnosed with node-negative breast cancer (≤ 3 cm in size).Methods:Clinical data of eligible early breast cancer patients between 2010 and 2015 were obtained from the SEER database. Patients were divided into the IORT and PORT groups according to the radiotherapy record and propensity score matching (PSM) was subsequently conducted. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) between two groups and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors of clinical prognosis.Results:7 068 patients were included after PSM. The median follow-up time was 32.0 months. The 5-year OS rates in the IORT and PORT groups were 96.8% and 93.8%, respectively. Univariate Cox analysis showed that radiotherapy, age, histological grade, T stage, estrogen receptor (ER) status and progesterone receptor (PR) status were the independent risk factors for OS, and histological grade, T stage, ER status, PR status and chemotherapy were the independent risk factors for BCSS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that patients who received IORT had better OS than PORT counterparts ( P=0.020). Besides, patients aged≥60 years obtained worse OS than those aged<60 years ( P=0.003). Patients with T 2 stage or ER-negative tumors had worse OS than those with T 1 stage tumors ( P<0.001) or ER-positive tumors ( P=0.001). Patients with grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ tumors achieved worse BCSS ( P=0.004). Subgroup analysis showed that IORT yielded better OS for elderly patients (≥60 years), grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ tumors, infiltrating duct carcinoma, T 2 stage tumors, ER-positive tumors, PR-positive tumors and patients without chemotherapy. Conclusions:IORT may bring benefit for highly selected patients with low risk of recurrence, which is not inferior to PORT in terms of short-term survival. Prospective studies with longer follow-up time are needed to confirm the findings.

Objective:To investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics and risk factors for hip fractures in patients within two years after stroke onset.Methods:A total of 332 persons with first-onset stroke from the neurology department of our hospital between 1 June 2013 and 31 December 2014 were recruited and were divided into the hip fracture group and the non-hip fracture group.Clinical characteristics were recorded.Vision was tested as normal or impaired.Patients were accessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS), Behavioral Inattention Test, Baking Tray Task, Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), Birgitta Lindmark(BL)motor assessment scale, Berg Balance Scale(BBS), Timed Up & Go(TUG)Scale, and Stops Walking When Talking(SWWT)Scale.The clinic characteristics and risk factors for hip fractures were compared between the two groups after a 2-year follow-up.The accuracy of risk factors for fracture prediction was assessed by the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.Results:Of 332 patients with stroke, 16 cases fractured their hips within two years after stroke onset, which corresponded to an incidence of 33‰/year(95% CI: 15‰/year-50‰/year). The 2-year mortality rate was 44%(95% CI: 25%-60%)and 48%(95% CI: 42%-54%)in patients with and without hip fractures respectively( χ2=0.036, P=0.724). The mean survival time for patients with and without hip fracture was 2.72 years(95% CI: 1.45-2.79)and 2.21 years(95% CI: 1.48-2.34)respectively.The proportions of patients with previous fractures history( χ2=16.780, P=0.041)and impaired vision( χ2=11.210, P=0.027), MMSE scale score( U=14.220, P=0.031), TUG ≥ 15 s( χ2=18.560, P=0.000)were higher, and SWWT( χ2=20.340, P=0.000)was lower in the hip fracture group than in the non-hip fracture group.The negative predictive values of previous fractures history, impaired vision, TUG and SWWT were higher than their positive predictive value.The specificities of previous fractures history, impaired vision, and SWWT were higher than their sensitivities.And the sensitivity of TUG was higher than its specificity. Conclusions:Hip fractures after stroke are common in elderly patients.Fractures often occur during daytime at home in daily activities.The previous fractures history, visual and cognitive dysfunction and impaired functional mobility are risk factors for hip fractures.We should take measures to prevent falls according to the relevant factors.Among the test scales, the timed up & go(TUG)scale could much more accurately identify patients at high risk for hip fractures.

Both immunosuppressants and antibiotics (ABX) are indispensable for transplant patients. However, the former increases the risk of new-onset diabetes, whereas the latter impacts intestinal microbiota (IM). It is still unclear whether and how the interaction between immunosuppressants and ABX alters the IM and thus leads to glucose metabolism disorders. This study examined the alterations of glucose and lipid metabolism and IM in mice exposed to tacrolimus (TAC) with or without ABX. We found that ABX further aggravated TAC-induced glucose tolerance and increased insulin secretion. Combined treatment resulted in exacerbated lipid accumulation in the liver. TAC-altered microbial community was further amplified by ABX administration, as characterized by reductions in phylum Firmicutes, family Lachnospiraceae, and genus Coprococcus. Analyses based on the metagenomic profiles revealed that ABX augmented the effect of TAC on microbial metabolic function mostly related to lipid metabolism. The altered components of gut microbiome and predicted microbial functional profiles showed significant correlation with hepatic lipid accumulation and glucose disorders. In conclusion, ABX aggravated the effect of TAC on the microbiome and its metabolic capacities, which might contribute to hepatic lipid accumulation and glucose disorders. These findings suggest that the ABX-altered microbiome can amplify the diabetogenic effect of TAC and could be a novel therapeutic target for patients.

Extrathyroidal extension of thyroid cancer has been an important adverse factor affecting the prognosis of patients. According to the latest NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines, extrathyroidal extension is the surgical guide fortotal thyroidectomy in newly diagnosed patients, and its incidence in differentiated thyroid cancer is 5%-34%, belonging to T3-T4 stage.In the eighth edition of thyroid cancer AJCC staging, the T3 stage was first divided into T3a (tumor>4 cm and limited to the thyroid) and T3b (gross extrathyroidal extension invading only strap muscles from a tumor of any size), and the "minimal extrathyroidal extension(tumor invasion intoperithyroidal soft tissue or strap muscle invasion)"of the seventh edition was removed from the T stage and changed to the gross extrathyroidal extension invading only strap muscles, but there is still much controversy. It can be seen that different degrees of "extrathyroidal extension" have significant differences in the survival and prognosis of thyroid cancer. This article reviews the latest research progress of extrathyroidal extension, and discusses the significance and clinical research progress of it.

Objective: To review and summarize recent update on preoperative diagnostic criteria, treatment and postoperative follow-up for medullary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: The relevant literatures and guidelines about medullary thyroid carcinoma were analyzed and summarized. Results: In the early stages of the disease radical surgery still dominated. Ultrasound results suggested that prophylactic lateral neck dissection was required for patients with high risk factors or high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and calcitonin need prophylactic. Early hereditary medullary carcinoma could receive prophylactic thyroidectomy based on RET gene test results. Advanced progressive medullary thyroid carcinoma could be treated with palliative surgery,molecular targeted drugs and chemotherapy. Conclusions The prognosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma is poor and lymph node metastasis is easy to occur early. The extent of initial operation should be enough. Locally advanced or distant metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma can be treated with palliative surgery,molecular targeted drugs and chemotherapy.

Objective To examine the incidence ,clinical characteristics ,and risk factors for falls within two years after stroke in elderly patients. Methods A total of 365 elderly stroke patients from the Department of Neurology at the 8th Nanning People's Hospital were recruited from June 1 , 2013 to December 31 ,2014. They were divided into a fall group and a non-fall group and were followed up for two years. The incidence and clinic characteristics of falls were analyzed. The risk factors for falls were analyzed by multiple Logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 365 stroke patients included in this study ,falls were observed in 146(40.2％ )patients. The interval between the stroke and the first fall :72(49.3％ )patients had the first fall within 3 months;22(15.1％ )occurred between 4 and 6 months;20 (13.7％ )between 7 and 12 months ;17 (11.6％ )between 13 and 18 months ;and 15 (10.3％ )between 19 and 24 months.A hundred and five(71.9％ )patients fell during daytime and 41 (28.1％ )patients during night.Eighteen(12.3％ )patients had one fall ;65(44.5％ )patients fell 2 to 4 times ;60(41.1％ )patients fell 5 to 10 times ;and 3(2.1％ )patients fell over 10 times.A total of 709 falls were observed.Places of falls :102(69.9％ )falls happened indoors and 44(30.1％ )falls occurred outdoors.Circumstances of falls :27 (18.5％ )patients fell when turning over ;23 (15.8％ )fell when rising from a seating position ;4(2.7％ )patients fell when showering ;15(10.3％ )patients fell while standing ;9(6.8％ )fell when turning around ;56(38.3％ )fell while walking ;and 12(8.2％ )fell while climbing the stairs or running.The severity of falls :52(35.6％ )patients had no injury ;78(53.2％ ) suffered soft tissue injury ;16 (11.0％ )had fractures ;and 78 (53.2％ )had fear of falling.Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that age(OR=2.41 ;95％ CI :1.69-3.05) ,history of falls(OR =2.85 ;95％ CI :1.46-3.81) ,history of stroke(OR=1.87 ;95％ CI :1.12-2.79) ,right hemiplegia(OR=2.37 ;95％ CI :1.62-4.59) ,left hemiplegia(OR= 2.47 ;95％ CI :1.46-4.78) ,paraplegia(OR= 2.55 ;95％ CI :1.57-4.98) ,visual impairment(OR=2.35 ;95％ CI :1.35-6.62) ,apraxia(OR=2.53 ;95％ CI :1.42-5.63) ,unilateral spatial neglect (OR=3.34 ;95％ CI :2.82-6.34) ,use of psychotropic medications (OR= 1.76 ;95％ CI :1.11-1.98) ,impaired physical mobility (OR = 1.58 ;95％ CI :1.82-2.91) ,low MMSE scale(OR = 3.42 ;95％ CI :1.38-7.41) ,low Barthel Index score(OR = 2.83 ;95％ CI :0.97-4.68) ,BBS scale<45(OR=2.48 ;95％ CI :1.27-4.18) ,TUG>15seconds(OR=3.56 ;95％ CI :1.91-5.23) ,and lack of rehabilitation therapy (OR=3.42 ;95％ CI :1.38-7.41)were independent predictors for falls(all P<0.05). Conclusions Falls are common among elderly patients within two years after stroke.Most falls happen indoors ,during daytime and while moving.Age ,history of falls ,history of stroke ,hemiplegia ,visual impairment ,apraxia ,unilateral spatial neglect ,use of psychotropic medications ,walk with a walker ,low MMSE scale ,low Barthel Index score ,BBS scale<45 ,TUG>15 seconds ,and lack of rehabilitation therapy are independent risk factors for falls after stroke.

Objective To investigate the clinical effect ofKudiezi injection combined with rosuvastatin on patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI).Methods A total of 90 patients with ACI patients of Department of Neurology of our hospital, from March 2015 to June 2016, were randomly divided into treatment group Ⅰ, treatment group Ⅱ and the control group, 30 in each group. The control group was given atorvastatin, the treatment group Ⅰ received rosuvastatin, and the treatment group Ⅱ was adopted Kudiezi injection combined with rosuvastatin. The curative effect was observed, and blood lipid and coagulation function were compared, and daily life ability and nerve function were recorded.Results The curative ratein treatment group Ⅱ (96.7%)was significantly better than that in treatment group Ⅰ (76.7%) and the control group (73.3%) (χ2=6.537,P<0.05). Total cholesterol,three acyl glycerin,low density lipoprotein in treatment group Ⅱ (4.03 ± 0.83 mmol/L, 1.68 ± 0.46 mmol/L, 2.37 ± 0.48 mmol/Lvs. 4.61 ± 0.89 mmol/L, 2.02 ± 0.81 mmol/L, 2.74 ± 0.68 mmol/L and 5.42 ± 0.75 mmol/L, 2.38 ± 0.67 mmol/L, 3.11 ± 0.81 mmol/L) were significantly lower than those in treatment group Ⅰ and the control group (F=21.538, 8.585, 9.092,P<0.05), and those in treatment group Ⅰ was significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).The fibrinogen (2.48 ± 0.37 g/Lvs.2.81 ± 0.46 g/L, 2.95 ± 0.51 g/L), platelet counts[(125.27 ± 11.88)×109vs.(132.13 ± 13.55)×109 and (133.83 ± 13.91)×109] and prothrombin time (17.52 ± 1.94 svs.(16.14 ± 1.62 s, 15.34 ± 1.18 s) in treatment group Ⅱ were significantly lower and higher than those in treatment group Ⅰ and control group (F=8.592, 3.571, 14.139,P<0.05). The scores of Barthel index (85.63 ± 4.10 vs.81.83 ± 3.92, 79.23 ± 4.81) and NIHSS (3.57 ± 1.17 vs. 4.63 ± 1.22, 5.57 ± 1.33) intreatment group Ⅱ were significantly higher and lower than those in treatment group Ⅰand the control group (F=16.873, 19.550,P<0.05), those in treatment group Ⅰ was significantly higher and lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionsKudiezi injection combined with rosuvastatin could improve curative effect ,reduce blood lipid, improve coagulation function, improve quality of life and promote recovery of nerve function in patients with acute cerebral infarction.